Filter Change Sheet and Normal OperationNote: Always hook your RO unit to a softened water supply.Note: Filters are referenced in the order in which they appear in the system.

Sediment Filter: This filter is first in line; removes particles that can be physically filtered out. An example of a particle that would be removed is sand. This filter's life depends on the amount of particles in your water. The best gauge of this filter's life is pressure drop. When you see a 5PSIG drop, you should change your filter. Discoloration is also a sign that the filter is loaded and therefore time to replace with a new filter.

Carbon Block, GAC or Chloramine Blaster Filter: These filters effectively reduce VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) ONLY for water that is safe by the federal Safe Water Drinking Standards. If you have water with a known containment, you need to treat it accordingly. The only cost effective way to predict filter life is by estimating the gallons produced (unless carbon is being used for a known containment, then testing is essential). The carbon block will filter 3,750 gal @ 1.0 GPM of 2ppm Chlorine (Cl2). A GAC will yield 5,000 gallons of treated water@ 1.0 GPM of 2ppm Chlorine (Cl2). The Chloramine Blasters are run two in series and will yield approximately 8,000 gallons of treated water. Do not exclude drain water from this capacity, as it is treated water.

Reverse Osmosis Membrane: This is the first component in the system that reduces Total Dissolved Solids (TDS); a common example of dissolved solids can be salts or calcium. A TDS meter is the best way to determine if your membrane is operating properly. A properly operating membrane will give you a TDS reduction of at least 90%. EXAMPLE: Raw water TDS is 100ppm, after the membrane it should be 10ppm or less. Membranes can fail by Clogging or Scaling, in which case very little or no water will be produced. Membranes will also fail from contact with chlorine. If this happens, the water quality will be very poor. So changing the carbon filter on time is essential. Hot water will also ruin a membrane (>80 Deg. F). If your membrane produces significantly more than it is rated for, that is an indication that something is wrong.

Deionization Filter (DI): IF USED, the DI filter is the last filter inline. This filter consists of two resins. One is charged with Hydrogen (H+) and the other a Hydroxide ion (OH-). As water passes over these resins, the remaining "salts" (or ions) exchange out and only H+ and OH- are released into the stream. Due to the quality of resin we use, the water you get will be, literally as pure as possible. The resin is a color indicating resin; it will slowly change from a dark purple/blue/black to a rust red/orange color. As this filter nears the end of its useful life you may experience "break though". Keep this in mind, depending on the water quality needed. For applications demanding 18 megohm (ultra pure) water, two DI's are STRONGLY recommended.

Clean, pure water is a priority for all fish and plants. No equipment is more effective in helping create ideal water conditions as Reverse Osmosis units. Use the following chart to help you choose the best RO Unit for your aquarium system.

You may think your tap water is perfect because it looks clear, tastes good, and is odor-free. But you cannot see, taste, or smell all of the minerals, bacteria, nutrients, and chemicals present in your water. Learn how an RO Unit will help.

Please note: If you wish to ship items with this symbol by express service, additional shipping charges will apply during checkout.

Please note: Return of electrical equipment to Drs. Foster & Smith for exchange or refund is limited to 60 days from the date of purchase. Beyond 60 days, please contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement as covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

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AquaFX Dolphin RO Unit 50 gpd 3-stage
3
5
2
2

Excellent Product
I received and set up my Dolphin RO, simply enough. I did call the company and ask about the softened water. They explained that softened water is the best, but not necessary.
I have been making water for 2 weeks now and I cannot say enough good things. I had an Automatic Shut off from by old unit (which had a steel bracket and dripped rust down my wall) I installed the ASO, and it chattered a bit. I called and they explain a check valve after the membrane should rectified that right away, I add the check valve and YEP, it worked. My fish are thriving and if they could smile, I know they would. I found the tech support excellent, they spend all the time with me I needed. I did tell them about the other review, they acknowledged that there was a problem sometime back with a spam filter, they assured me it is fixed. So all and all, I really like my new reverse osmosis system. I hope DepDog is doing better now. I was a little apprehensive after that review, but I found about.com named AquaFX number one in aquarium reverse osmosis.
September 17, 2014

Your call, I'm not impressed
Installation is reatively simple. Just insert the RO membrane into the housing on top. That is if the black gasket taped to the cartridge is mounted so that it fits all the way into the housing so you can get the end cap on.. Nothing in instructions regarding moving the gasket or un-taping it. No response from Support Phone, not able to get an email through due to the rediculous spam prevention tool that you must complete before the email is actually sent. Well it never accepted the results of the test after 3 times trying.Bottom line, gues how it would go together or wait until you can get through on the phone.
After I moved the gasket so I could get the unit together, I found out one of the removeable filter housings was not tight so it leaked. Tightend with the supplied wrench then OK. Water production is about 60% of the unit's size; 100 GPD. My well water is pretty cold and pressure somewhat less than 60 psi. The one thing the instructions tell you, is that the unit must be used on softwater! (I thought thats what is was for) My well water is about 8 for GH.
In summary, if I was not desperate for a RO system, I would've boxed this back up and returned it. I would recommend another manufacturer if I was to do this again.
October 9, 2012

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Description:
Keep reverse osmosis (RO) water production at its
peak for greater savings. The budget friendly AquaFX Booster Pump lets you get the most out of your RO unit by adding up to 50 psi to your line pressure! When ...

Description:
Standard Float w/ Wing Nut The Float Valve
with Wing nut is an excellent and simple way to keep sumps/tanks/reservoirs full of RO water. Recommended anytime when using a Hydraulic Automatic Shutoff Valve (below), or just as a top ...